Sanctuary farm's rescued animals aided by Western Coast

September 25, 2019

Sept. 25, 2019. The Kindred Community Farm Sanctuary, a place that rescues animals and connects at-risk youth with them to improve all lives, continues to inspire our Western Coast Insurance Services Semiahmoo branch.

We support their mission to nurture, protect and honour the human and animal bond. The forever home farm outside Surrey, BC has over 30 animals, including horses, cows, goats among others.

“I like how they rescue animals and partner them with kids who have their own challenges and give them an opportunity to learn and work with each other,” Joanne Tonita, our Semiahmoo assistant manager, said.

One feathered friend, Louise the Rooster — named after the “Louise” of Thelma & Louise fame following a gender mix up in his first years — is a popular ambassador. We’re thrilled to be his animal sponsor.

Either born with or affected by a twisted foot at young age, Louise walks with an adapted wheelchair aid and attends community events with his owners — everyone almost instantly connects with him.

“It’s a rooster that loves to cuddle,” Tonita said, adding he’ll snuggle in peoples’ laps.

We’ve been proud supporters of the Kindred Community Farm Sanctuary through our charitable arm, the Western Communities Foundation (WCF), and are excited to lend our helping hand to their vision.

Each May, we participate in our own National Walk to Support the Cause — a 5 kilometre walk/run — to fundraise for the WCF. Our team is always excited for our annual book and bake sale.

“It’s one of the things that has been quite meaningful to our people, because we get to select an organization or something that matters to us,” she said.

The at-risk kids are selected to work with the animals on the farm. Tonita, who once worked with foster children through social services, said both the animals and youth find great value in each other.

“I know there’s some experiences that can turn things around for kids and make a difference,” she said.

This year offered an opportunity for our Western Coast branch to sponsor our favourite rooster and help in purchasing fence panels that will go a long way to securing the cows’ pastures.

Signe Olson, our branch manager, said her team appreciates being able to help organizations in their own community and shine light on these groups. She also shared her admiration for the sanctuary.

“You see in the world how many kids need help,” she said. “You know the children are there and have connections and assistance; that’s a very good feeling.”